With Cincinnati streets in turmoil, a majority of the city's lawmakers said Tuesday they want to get rid of the Public Safety Department.

        Five council members, calling for greater control and accountability, said the safety department keeps them isolated from direct contact with the police division.

        “Doing away with it may restore public confidence,” said Councilman Paul Booth, who described the department as an unwanted layer of bureaucracy.

        The city's charter states the police chief reports to the city's safety director. Mr. Booth and several other council members said Tuesday they want the police chief to report directly to the city manager, who reports to them.

        But Mayor Charlie Luken cautioned that the Public Safety Department provides the only civilian oversight of the police division.

        “I think they could be more aggressive in terms of police community relations,” he said. “But it would be a mistake to get rid of it.”

        The debate over public safety comes as council members grapple with how to respond to citizen complaints and violence over a series of police shootings that have left 15 black males dead since 1995.

        Councilman Phil Heimlich, who agreed there are problems with the department, said now was the wrong time to take action — that it would be creating scapegoats out of officials.

        On Monday, several council members said they wanted to change how the police and fire chiefs are hired. Councilwoman Alicia Reece also asked that the public safety director be fired.

        Public Safety Director Kent Ryan, who was hospitalized Monday with chest pains, could not be reached for comment. Ms. Reece, who did not know about Mr. Ryan's condition, said she was sorry.

        “It's important council take a hard look at the safety department and reassess its duties,” she said.

        Assistant safety Director S. Gregory Baker said Tuesday that Mr. Ryan has pushed several reforms in the way police respond to citizen complaints and he has acted as a strong liaison between the department and city administrators.

        He said that two citizen police review panels fall under public safety, which provides the only citizen oversight of the police. “I don't know how you achieve that kind of review without this department,” he said.

Map: Where violence occured
Photo gallery
Main report on Tuesday's violence
Initial findings may not support officer's actions
Council locked up in City Hall
Blacks, whites vent on radio
Brother's whispers resound amid madness
Rioting not the way, leaders say
Police try to go by the 'book'
Public Safety Department may be abolished
Racial strife not new to city
Donations for Thomas family